Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Illinois

I was pulled over for speeding on July 7. I had a pellet gun and did not know that there was ordinance in Addison (city) banning pellet guns. The officer took the gun and stated that i had to sign the form to destroy the gun. I signed the gun and that was that. A couple of months later, I googled my name and the Addions press published this, "Police: Man had pellet gun

Amir Kahrimanovic, 18, of Villa Park, was charged with possession of a pellet gun and speeding after he was pulled over at noon July 7 near Army Trail Road and Interstate 355". The officer did not say that I was charged with anything. A manager of mine mentioned to me that he saw the information but no consequences occured. Would this be considered slander due to the fact of inconsistency between the paper that is published as public information for the world to see? Would this be a reputable case to proceed with?


Asked on 11/24/09, 12:05 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Stephen Messutta

You were pulled over for speeding and apparently the officer had some cause to search your car or it was in plain view. Were you issued a ticket for either infraction? If you just surrendered the gun and signed the destruction form, then the facts are the facts. If you did not get a ticket then the paper is wrong and you may be able to have them print a correction. If you did get a ticket you can still ask the paper for a correction. Typically the truth of a situation is an absolute defense to slander. Your remedy may be with the paper, not with a lawsuit.

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Answered on 11/29/09, 9:42 pm


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